Mexico warns citizens they could be 'harassed' in Arizona after new law

Mexico has warned its citizens that they could be "harassed" if they travel to Arizona after the US border state approved a controversial new anti-immigration law last week.

7:29PM BST 27 Apr 2010

"There's an adverse political atmosphere for migrant communities and for all Mexican visitors," said a foreign ministry statement advising Mexicans to carry identity documents and respect local laws in Arizona.

The ministry said the new law, which will allow police to question and detain anyone they believe may be an illegal entrant, would not be applied for months.

But it said that "it should be assumed that any Mexican citizen could be bothered and questioned for no significant reason at any moment."

The legislation has provoked a wave of criticism, including from US President Barack Obama.

It also has ignited a legal and political row as Democrats consider launching a comprehensive immigration reform bid.